To find the largest sphere that can fit inside a rectangular box, we need to determine the diameter of the sphere. The diameter of the sphere should be equal to the smallest side length of the box.
Given that the box has side lengths of 12 inches, 14 inches, and 18 inches, the smallest side length is 12 inches. Therefore, the diameter of the sphere will also be 12 inches.
The formula for the surface area of a sphere is:
Surface Area = 4πr^2
Since we know the diameter (d = 12 inches), we can find the radius (r) by dividing the diameter by 2:
r = d/2 = 12 inches / 2 = 6 inches
Now, we can calculate the surface area of the sphere:
Surface Area = 4πr^2 = 4 * π * (6 inches)^2 = 144π square inches
Therefore, the surface area of the largest size sphere that can fit inside the given rectangular box is 144π square inches.